While it’s always exciting to discover new products, particularly when it comes to style, sometimes your favorite is the one you’ve already tried before. I’m a creature of habit in this way (I bought the same pair of glasses a second time after my first ones broke), and it seems that many people also feel this way about shoes.
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My colleague and HuffPost Shopping’s analytics editor, Lily Alig, alerted me to the fact that her boyfriend practically wears the same pair of shoes every day until they literally fall apart, and then buys a new pair of the same style and does it all again. It also turns out that plenty of men buy multiple pairs of the same shoes in different colors. More power to them — if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, as they say.
Below, I’ve rounded up some of the shoes that men continue to wear through and repurchase, over and over across multiple years. If that’s not an endorsement for a damn good pair of shoes, I don’t know what is.
Merrell Jungle Moc slip-on shoes
Kevin Cortez, shopping editor, raved about the Merrell Jungle Moc slip-on in a previous story. He said he’s “owned four pairs at once, and with so many colors, it’s tough finding one you won’t vibe with,” adding that they’re “probably some of the most comfortable slip-ons I’ve ever worn.” Another HuffPoster also shared that her husband “basically lives in these,” so you know they’re good.
The Jungle Moc has a double-stretch gore to allow for easy slipping on and off. The shock-absorbing, cushioned heel and mesh lining add comfort to the inside, while the outside is designed with a sticky rubber outsole to provide traction and durability. The suede leather upper comes in various neutral colors, and you can get the shoe in men’s sizes 7-15 in two widths.
Promising Amazon review: “I’ve owned several pairs of these shoes, they last forever! Last pair went 7 years of daily wearing. Super comfortable and very rugged. I don’t believe people who say that they fall apart. I use them to work on the car, hike, cut the lawn and to work. PERFECT everyday shoe!” — Pete Aaron
Skechers Summits High Range hands-free slip-ins
Commerce managing editor Emily Ruane said her father owns these Skechers slip-on sneakers in two colors, navy and black, because, in his words, “tying shoelaces is a hassle.” The slip-on design includes a heel pillow and molded heel counter to keep the foot in place, and the memory foam insole provides comfort and keeps the shoe lightweight. Made with a breathable mesh upper, the shoe is also machine-washable when it’s time to clean it. Try it out in several neutral and dark colors and sizes 6.5-16, including wide and x-wide options.
Promising review: “These are my go-to shoes. I think I’ve bought 4 pair now in the past 6 years. Love to slip them on and off. They’re good for almost all occassions; they don’t look too much informal but they can be used for almost all occassions. They last long too. The back ankle cushion eventually breaks down but that after a year or more. I could wear them probably 2-3 years if I wanted without replacing. Highly recommended.” — Stout
Cole Haan Grandpro Rally laser-cut sneakers
My father swears by Cole Haan shoes, and has bought multiple pairs. This Grandpro Rally laser-cut sneaker is one of the brand’s popular styles, and it’s not hard to see why: It strikes the balance between casual and dressed-up just right, with a perforated leather upper that elevates the tennis shoe look. These come in several neutral colorways and sizes 5.5-16, including wide sizes.
Promising Zappos review: “I have trouble finding comfortable everyday shoes. This is the fourth pair of these I have bought as they wear well and are comfortable for my wider feet without having to try and find a wide width.” — Steve G
Vans Authentic unisex skate shoe
“Vans have been my go-to everyday shoe for many years,” said Juan Uribe, a musician and the brother of senior shopping writer Lourdes Uribe. “Having recently replaced a pair that saw me through my 20s, they are reliable, shape my feet well and are easy to slip on and off. On top of that, the nostalgic feeling when I buy a new pair makes me feel like a kid again. I like them because, when new, you can dress them up and down a la Fred Rogers, and you can wear them all day without the pain you get from shoes with no support.”
Vans have been been a classic casual sneaker for decades, and they come in so many colors and patterns. You can get them in men’s sizes 3.5-17.
Nike Air Force 1 ’07 sneakers
Shopping analytics editor Lily Alig said her boyfriend “operates on a ‘wear one pair of shoes until there are holes in them’ plan, and has been wearing Nike Air Force 1s for like a hundred days straight.”
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Another iconic sneaker, the Air Force 1 ’07 features a smooth leather upper and chunky rubber outsole. The toe box is perforated, making the shoe breathable, and though the shoes were originally made for basketball, their lightweight, cushioned feel makes them great for casual lifestyle wear, too. Get them in a bunch of colorways and men’s sizes 5-18.
Adidas Daily 4.0 shoes
Another favorite repeat shoe of Alig’s boyfriend are the Adidas Daily 4.0 sneakers he’s pictured wearing here. Currently on sale for under $40, these are more affordable than many other Adidas styles but still have the same sporty appeal. Similar to the Air Force 1s, the Daily 4.0 combines a leather upper and rubber sole for durability. These also have a textile lining for extra comfort. You can get them in several colors and men’s sizes 4-14.
Promising Zappos review: “I think I’ve bought 5 or 6 pairs of this style over the years, love them a lot. Great for my big feet. Super comfy and just look really cool” — NateDogg
New Balance Made In USA 992 core sneakers
Ruane’s husband owns these New Balance sneakers (as part of their Made In USA line, these appear to only be available on New Balance’s direct site). He said he likes the comfort and supportive sole, as well as the fact that the materials break in nicely. Editor Kevin Cortez has similar sentiments about New Balance’s 993 sneaker, a nearly-identical style: “[It’s] the greatest shoe I’ve ever worn, tbh. I’ve had mine for six years and it’s about time to retire them. They’re starting to yellow.”
The sneakers have a dad-chic look, with suede and mesh on the upper, and are luxuriously cushioned in the heel and forefoot. They come in four colorways and men’s sizes 4-16.
Veja Campo leather sneakers
“My husband Brandon swears by his Vejas,” said senior wellness reporter Jillian Wilson. “He wears them nearly every day and they last for years and years. They’re also great because they are easy to dress up or down.”
The Veja Campo sneakers are made with chemical-free, recycled and organically grown materials, for those interested in shopping sustainably. The leather uppers have suede accents, and the overall look is a little less sporty than something like the Air Force 1 or Skechers slip-in. You can buy a pair in several colorways and sizes 6-14.
Merrell Moab 3 hiking shoes
In a previous story, HuffPost contributor James Barrett wrote about his love for the Merrell Moab 3 hiking shoes, which he took on multiple trips around the world. While he didn’t say he was a repeat buyer, plenty of reviewers of the Moab 3s are, with one saying, “I have been buying Merrell Moab shoes for 15 years; I’ve had at least 6 pairs.”
Similar to the Jungle Moc, these are slip-ons with excellent durability and traction. That’s in addition to reinforced heel cushioning and a bellows tongue to keep out debris as you hike. It comes in a bunch of colors, and sizes 7-15, including wide sizes.
Promising Amazon review: “I can’t even recall how many of these Moab’s I’ve purchased over the years. They are comfortable, well made, light and durable — I use them for both hiking and mountain biking, but they just wear out over time (as expected). I’ve tried other brands but I keep coming back to these Merrell’s for consistent fit and function.” — John G
Johnston & Murphy Conard 2.0 plain toe dress shoes
For a non-sneaker worth buying on repeat, my father has also worn Johnston & Murphy dress shoes for years. One of their most popular dress shoes, the Conard 2.0 plain toe shoes not only looks sleek with its full-grain leather upper, but also feels cushioned thanks to the contoured footbed and padding on the heel and tongue. You can buy these in two colors, in sizes 8-16 and two widths.
Promising Johnston & Murphy review: “This the second pair of Conrad’s I’ve purchased. The had first ones for a few years and wore them so much I wore a hole in the bottom. So had them patched up and kept going. Finally they gave up the ghost and I had to get a second pair. I hope you don’t stop making these!” — Greg
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